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Homeland Security: Intelligence Support [Updated February 23, 2004]
"Legislation establishing a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (P.L. 107-296) included provisions for an information analysis element within the new department. It did not transfer to DHS existing government intelligence and law enforcement agencies but envisioned an analytical office utilizing the products of other agencies -- both unevaluated information and finished reports -- to provide warning of terrorist attacks, assessments of vulnerability, and recommendations for remedial actions at federal, state, and local levels, and by the private sector. In January 2003, the Administration announced its intention to establish a new Terrorist Threat Integration Center (TTIC) to undertake many of the tasks envisioned for the DHS informational analysis element, known as Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (IAIP), but some Members of Congress argue that TTIC cannot be a substitute for a DHS analytical effort. This report examines different approaches to improving the information analysis function and the sharing of information among federal agencies. It will be updated as circumstances warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Best, Richard A.
2004-02-23
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Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-Saddam Governance [Updated February 23, 2004]
"Operation Iraqi Freedom accomplished a long-standing objective, the overthrow and capture of Saddam Hussein, but replacing that regime with a stable, moderate, democratic political structure has run into difficulty. Past U.S. efforts to change the regime failed because of limited U.S. commitment, disorganization of the Iraqi opposition, and the efficiency and ruthlessness of Iraq's several overlapping security services. Previous U.S. Administrations had ruled out major U.S. military action to change Iraq's regime, believing such action would be risky and not necessarily justified by the level of Iraq's lack of compliance on WMD disarmament. In his 2002 and 2003 State of the Union messages, President Bush characterized Iraq as a grave potential threat to the United States because of its refusal to verifiably abandon its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs and the potential for it to transfer WMD to terrorist groups. In September 2002, the President told the U.N. General Assembly that unless Iraq fully disarmed in cooperation with United Nations weapons inspectors, the United States would lead a coalition to achieve that disarmament militarily, making clear that this would include the ouster of Iraq's President Saddam Hussein's regime. After a November 2002 - March 2003 round of U.N. inspections in which Iraq's cooperation was mixed, on March 19, 2003 the United States launched Operation Iraqi Freedom to disarm Iraq and change its regime. The regime fell on April 9, 2003."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2004-02-23
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Energy Policy: Setting the Stage for the Current Debate [Updated February 23, 2004]
"On February 12, 2004, following agreement between the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders, Senator Domenici introduced S. 2095, a revision of the omnibus energy legislation (H.R. 6) reported by a conference committee last November. The revised bill has been described as 'lean' in so far as it is estimated to cost less than $14 billion, in contrast to the $31 billion estimated for H.R. 6. Some of these savings are achieved by delaying the start of some programs and incentives. Under a process known as Rule 14, the bill is immediately on the Senate calendar and can be brought to the floor without passing first through committee. S. 2095 drops what may have been the most contentious provision of H.R. 6 -- the 'safe harbor' provision to protect MTBE [Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether] refiners from product liability suits. Prior to these developments, the House had approved the conference report (246-180) on H.R. 6 on November 18, 2003. On November 21, 2003, a cloture motion to limit debate in the Senate on H.R. 6 failed (57-40). Efforts to secure more votes for the bill carried into 2004, but were unsuccessful. Prior to the most recent developments, there were many different -- and sometimes contradictory -- reports of possible strategies to secure passage of an omnibus bill or some of its provisions. Some have argued that any major changes would not be viable because of the careful regional and political compromises that were reached to get a bill out of conference and through the House. The closest consensus has been that the cost of the bill had to be reduced in light of projected deficits and spending targets."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bamberger, Robert
2004-02-23
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Islam: Sunnis and Shiites [February 23, 2004]
"The majority of the world's Muslim population follows the Sunni branch of Islam, and approximately 10-15% of all Muslims follow the Shiite (Shi'ite, Shi'a, Shia) branch. Shiite populations live in a number of countries, but they constitute a majority in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan. There are also significant Shiite populations in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen. Sunnis and Shiites share most basic religious tenets. However, their differences sometimes have served as the basis for religious intolerance, political infighting, and violent confrontations. This report includes a historical background of the Sunni-Shiite split and the differences in religious beliefs and practices between and within each Islamic sect as well as their similarities. This report will not be updated. Related CRS [Congressional Research Service] products include CRS Report RS21432 and CRS Report RS21695."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Armanios, Febe, 1974-
2004-02-23
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'Sensitive But Unclassified' and Other Federal Security Controls on Scientific and Technical Information: History and Current Controversy [Updated February 20, 2004]
The U .S. Government has always protected scientific and technical information that might compromise national security. Since the 2001 terrorist attacks, controls have been widened on access to information and scientific components that could threaten national security. The policy challenge is to balance science and security without compromising national security, scientific progress, and constitutional and statutory protections. This report summarizes (1) provisions of the Patent Law ; Atomic Energy Act ; International Traffic in Arms Control regulations; the USA PATRIOT Act, P.L. 1.07-56; the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, P .L. 107-188; and the Homeland Security Act, P.L. 107-296, that permit governmental restrictions on either privately generated or federally owned scientific and technical information that could harm national security; (2) the evolution of federal concepts of "sensitive but unclassified" (SBU) information; (3) controversies about pending Department of Homeland Security guidance on federal SBU and "Sensitive Homeland Security Information" (SHSI); and (4) policy options .
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Knezo, Genevieve Johanna
2004-02-20
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Homeland Security: Human Resources Management [Updated February 20, 2004]
"P.L. 107-296, Homeland Security Act of 2002 (H.R. 5005), authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish, and from time to time adjust, a human resources management (HRM) system for some or all of the organizational units of the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The law states specific requirements for the HRM system. Federal workforce improvements to be applied government-wide also are authorized by P.L. 107-296. On February 20, 2004, DHS and OPM jointly issued proposed regulations for the DHS HRM system which were published in the Federal Register. The proposed regulations cover job evaluation, pay and pay administration, performance management, labor-management relations, adverse actions, and appeals. The Budget of the United States for FY2005 proposes funding of $112.5 million to develop and implement a performance-based pay system and to train personnel. This report discusses the provisions of P.L. 107-296 as they relate to human resources management. It does not discuss provisions of the law that relate to labor management relations and collective bargaining."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwemle, Barbara L.
2004-02-20
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Analysis of S. 1709, 108th Congress: The Security and Freedom Ensured Act of 2003 (SAFE Act) [February 19, 2004]
This report is a section-by-section explanation of the effects of S. 1709, the SAFE Act, on current law. The SAFE Act was introduced in the 108th Congress "to amend the USA PATRIOT ACT to place reasonable limitations on the use of surveillance and the issuance of search warrants."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Pollack, Estela I. Velez
2004-02-19
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U.S. Immigration Policy on Permanent Admissions [February 18, 2004]
When President George W. Bush announced his principles for immigration
reform in January 2004, he included an increase in permanent immigration as a key
component. Some commentators are speculating the President is promoting
increases in the employment-based categories of permanent immigration, but the
Bush Administration has not yet provided specific information on what categories of
permanent admissions it advocates should be increased and by what levels. The
Bush proposal has prompted a lively debate on immigration reform.
Four major principles underlie U.S. policy on permanent immigration: the
reunification of families, the admission of immigrants with needed skills, the
protection of refugees, and the diversity of admissions by country of origin. These
principles are embodied in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The INA
specifies a complex set of numerical limits and preference categories that give
priorities for permanent immigration reflecting these principles. As defined in the
INA, "immigrants" are synonymous with legal permanent residents (LPRs) and refer
to foreign nationals who live lawfully and permanently in the United States.
The "Mass Immigration Reduction Act" (H.R. 946), which would, if enacted,
reduce permanent immigration, was introduced early in the 108th Congress. It would
zero out family-sponsored immigrants (except children and spouses of U.S. citizens),
employment-based immigrants (except certain priority workers) and diversity lottery
immigrants through FY2008.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2004-02-18
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U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program (US-VISIT) [Updated February 18, 2004]
From the Summary: "Congress first mandated that the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) implement an automated entry and exit data system that would track the arrival and departure of every alien. The objective was, in part, to develop a mechanism that would be able to track nonimmigrants who overstayed their visas as part of a broader emphasis on immigration control. Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks there was a shift in priority for implementing the system. While the tracking of nonimmigrants who overstayed their visas remained an important goal, border security has become the paramount concern. Following the terrorist attacks, provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act and the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2002 encouraged a more expeditious development of the system and directed that biometric identifiers be used in passports, visas and other travel documents. The Border Security Act requires all U.S. ports of entry to have equipment and software installed that will allow biometric comparison and the authentication of all visas and other travel and entry documents by October 26, 2004. Moreover, implementing the requirements of an automated entry and exit data system is not without controversy. The automated entry and exit data system was administratively renamed the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) Program by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is reportedly going to be implemented in phases over the next several years and include resources and services from a number of federal, state, local, and foreign entities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seghetti, Lisa M.; Viña, Stephen R.
2004-02-18
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NAFTA at Ten: Lessons from Recent Studies [February 13,2004]
From the Summary: "On January 1, 2004, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) completed its tenth year and most of its provisions are now implemented. NAFTA is a free trade agreement (FTA) that effectively added Mexico to the U.S.-Canada FTA completed in 1989. Its anniversary has sparked numerous evaluations, which are particularly relevant as the United States pursues free trade agreements with multiple Latin American countries. Most studies found that NAFTA's effects on the U.S. and Mexican economies to be modest at most. This report provides an analytical summary of the economic lessons reached in support of Congress's role in the trade policy process. It will be updated as needed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Hornbeck, J. F. (John F.)
2004-02-13
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Visa Issuances: Policy, Issues, and Legislation [Updated February 11, 2004]
"Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, considerable concern has been raised because the 19 terrorists were aliens who apparently entered the United States with temporary visas despite provisions in immigration laws that bar the admission of terrorists. Foreign nationals not already legally residing in the United States who wish to come to the United States generally must obtain a visa to be admitted, with certain exceptions noted in law. Fears that lax enforcement of immigration laws regulating the admission of foreign nationals into the United States may continue to make the United States vulnerable to further terrorist attacks have led to revisions in the policy as well as changes in who administers immigration law. The 107th Congress expanded the definition of terrorism and the designation of terrorist organizations used to determine the inadmissibility and removal of aliens in the USA Patriot Act (P.L. 107-56). Another law, the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act (P.L. 107-173), sought to improve the visa issuance process by mandating data sharing so that consular officers have access to relevant electronic information. This law also required the development of an interoperable electronic data system to be used to share information relevant to alien admissibility and removability and required that all visas issued by October 2004 have biometric identifiers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen
2004-02-11
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Visa Waiver Program [February 10, 2004]
Since the events of September 11, 2001, concerns have been raised about the
ability of terrorists to enter the United States under the visa waiver program. The
visa waiver program (VWP) allows nationals from certain countries to enter the
United States as temporary visitors (nonimmigrants) for business or pleasure without
first obtaining a visa from a U.S. consulate abroad. Temporary visitors for business
or pleasure from non-VWP countries must obtain a visa from Department of State
(DOS) officers at a consular post abroad before coming to the United States. The
VWP constitutes one of a few exceptions under the Immigration and Nationality Act
(INA) in which foreign nationals are admitted into the United States without a valid
visa. Under Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations, travelers who
seek to enter the United States through the VWP are not subject to the biometric
requirements of the US-VISIT program.
By eliminating the visa requirement, this program facilitates international travel
and commerce and eases consular office workloads abroad, but it also bypasses the
first step by which foreign visitors are screened for admissibility to enter the United
States. In 2003, 13.5 million visitors entered the United States under this program,
constituting 49% of all overseas visitors.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Siskin, Alison
2004-02-10
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Immigration Legislation and Issues in the 108th Congress [Updated February 10, 2004]
"The 108th Congress has considered and is considering legislation on a wide range of immigration issues. Chief among these are the transfer of immigration authorities to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), expedited naturalization through military service, and foreign temporary workers and business personnel. Since passage of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) and the creation of DHS, Congress has considered legislation to clarify the allocation of immigration authorities between the Secretary of DHS and the Attorney General. P.L. 108-7 amended the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) in an apparent effort to clarify the authority that was to remain with the Attorney General. H.R. 1416, as passed by the House and reported by the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee, would further amend the INA to remove certain references to the Attorney General. The 108th Congress has enacted a measure on expedited naturalization through military service. P.L. 108-136, the FY2004 Defense Department Authorization bill, amends military naturalization and posthumous citizenship statutes and provides immigration benefits for immediate relatives of U.S. citizen servicemembers who die as a result of actual combat service. In the area of foreign temporary workers and business personnel, the 108th Congress has enacted legislation to implement the Chile (P.L. 108-77) and Singapore (P.L. 108-78) Free Trade Agreements."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen; Siskin, Alison; Bruno, Andorra
2004-02-10
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Farm Labor Shortages and Immigration Policy [Updated February 9, 2004]
"The connection between farm labor and immigration policies reemerged as an issue in the Congress and was under discussion by the Bush and Fox Administrations before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. President Bush's remarks in December 2003 about a broad-based temporary foreign worker program have reignited interest in the issue. Questions have again arisen about whether enough workers are available domestically to meet the requirements of farmers and how, if at all, the Congress should change immigration policy, which has long been linked with the seasonal needs of crop growers for direct-hire and contract farmworkers. Fifty-five percent of today's hired farmworkers are not authorized to hold U.S. jobs. For many years, farmers have expressed concern that if certain federal activities prove effective, a considerable portion of the agricultural labor force and hence of their livelihood could be lost. These federal actions include increased border enforcement efforts, work eligibility verification pilot programs and audits of employees' work authorization documents to determine their authenticity. Growers contend that the sizeable presence of unauthorized aliens implies a shortage of legal farmworkers. Their advocates argue that farmers would rather not employ unauthorized workers because doing so puts them at risk of incurring penalties. Farmworker advocates in turn counter that crop growers prefer unauthorized employees because they are in a weak bargaining position with regard to wages and working conditions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Levine, Linda (Linda H.)
2004-02-09
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Pakistan-U.S. Relations [Updated February 6, 2004]
"Key areas of U.S. concern regarding Pakistan include regional terrorism; weapons proliferation; the ongoing Kashmir dispute and Pakistan-India tensions; human rights protection; and economic development. A U.S.-Pakistan relationship marked by periods of both cooperation and discord was trans- formed by the September 2001 terrorist at- tacks on the United States and the ensuing enlistment of Pakistan as a pivotal ally in U.S.-led anti-terrorism efforts in Southwest Asia. Top U.S. officials regularly praise Islamabad for its ongoing cooperation, although doubts exist about Islamabad's commitment to core U.S. interests in the region. Pakistan is identified as a base for terrorist groups and their supporters operating in Kashmir, India, and Afghanistan. Pakistan continues to face serious problems, including wide-spread poverty and domestic terrorism."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2004-02-06
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Foreign Terrorist Organizations [February 6, 2004]
This report analyzes the status of many of the major foreign terrorist organizations that are a threat to the United States, placing special emphasis on issues of potential concern to Congress. The terrorist organizations included are those designated and listed by the Secretary of State as "Foreign Terrorist Organizations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cronin, Audrey Kurth, 1958-
2004-02-06
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Pakistan: Chronology of Recent Events [Updated February 5, 2004]
"This report provides a reverse chronology of recent events involving Pakistan and Pakistan-U.S. relations. For a substantive review, see CRS [Congressional Research Service] Issue Brief IB94041, 'Pakistan-U.S. Relations'. This report will be updated monthly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan
2004-02-05
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Iraq and Al Qaeda: Allies or Not? [February 5, 2004]
"In building a case for invading Iraq and ousting Saddam Hussein from power, the Administration asserted that the regime of Saddam Hussein had a working relationship with the Al Qaeda terrorist network. The Administration stated that the relationship dated to the early 1990s, and was based on a common interest in confronting the United States. The Administration assertions were derived from U.S. intelligence showing a pattern of contacts with Al Qaeda when its founder, Osama bin Laden, was based in Sudan in the early to mid-1990s and continuing after he relocated to Afghanistan in 1996. Another pillar of the Administration argument rested on reports of contacts between Baghdad and an Islamist Al Qaeda affiliate group, called Ansar al-Islam, based in northern Iraq in the late 1990s. Some Administration officials have said there are indications Iraq was involved in the September 11, 2001 plot, although there are major differences within the Administration on this analysis. Critics maintain that the Administration argument did not demonstrate that the relationship, if it existed, was systematic or institutionalized, and that no hard data has come to light indicating the two entities conducted any joint terrorist attacks. Some major hallmarks of a consistent relationship were absent, and several experts outside and within the U.S. government believe that contacts between Iraq and Al Qaeda were sporadic, unclear, or subject to alternate explanations. Others believe there is evidence that Al Qaeda has, at times, been a rival or opponent of Saddam Hussein's regime and its secular outlook."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Katzman, Kenneth
2004-02-05
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Pipeline Security: An Overview of Federal Activities and Current Policy Issues [Updated February 5, 2004]
While substantial investment has been made in pipeline security, U.S. pipelines are inherently vulnerable to the possibility of terror attacks because of their number and dispersion. Congress is examining the adequacy of federal pipeline security efforts. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is the lead federal agency for security in all modes of transportation, including pipelines. The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), within the Department of Transportation (DOT), is the lead federal regulator of pipeline safety. There are questions about the appropriate division of responsibility between the agencies and about the resources they will have for mandated security activities. As the lead agency for pipeline security, TSA expects pipeline operators to maintain security plans based on security guidance initially circulated in 2002. TSA also plans to issue pipeline security regulations. In 2003, TSA inspected 24 of the largest 25-30 and found that nearly all of these operators had met or exceeded minimum security guidelines. The agencies have no formal cooperative agreement defining responsibilities and assert that efforts to promote U.S. pipeline security are on the right track. Nonetheless, TSA's current funding for pipeline security will provide only limited capability for inspections and enforcement of any future regulations. In addition to appropriations issues, Congress is considering several policy concerns: Operators believe they need more specific federal threat information to improve security decisions. Many operators also believe they need clear and stable definitions of what constitutes a "critical" asset. Finally, operators are concerned about potentially redundant, conflicting regulatory regimes under TSA and the OPS.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parfomak, Paul W.
2004-02-05
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Sensitive Security Information (SSI) and Transportation Security: Background and Controversies [February 5, 2004]
In November 2003, the U.S. attorney's office in Miami dropped a criminal case against a former federal baggage screener charged with stealing from a passenger's luggage. The case was dropped because prosecutors feared that sensitive security information (SSI) would have to be disclosed. At issue is the ability of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to prosecute other dishonest agency employees in the future. The case raised the question "will the same dilemma that led to the dismissal of this particular case occur again?" In recent months, this and other important issues relating to SSI have been raised. This report provides a brief background on SSI regulation, an overview of the current policy issues, and a description of the criticism of, and support for, SSI policy.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sollenberger, Mitchel A.
2004-02-05
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Ricin: Technical Background and Potential Role in Terrorism [Updated February 4, 2004]
"On February 2, 2004, the deadly toxin ricin was detected in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Ricin, derived from castor beans, has been identified as a potential bioweapon. Ricin is extremely toxic by ingestion, inhalation and injection, causing organ damage that can lead to death. While research continues on new therapies and vaccines against ricin exposure, no approved treatments or prophylaxis for human use currently exist. Research to develop sensitive, portable detectors capable of detecting the release of ricin is ongoing. Although ricin was investigated as a potential military weapon, it has predominantly been used in small quantities against specific individuals. Most experts believe that ricin would be difficult to use as a weapon of mass destruction, but do not discount its potential as a weapon of terror. Ricin is on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Select Agent list, and its possession, transfer, or use, is regulated under domestic and international law. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shea, Dana A.; Gottron, Frank
2004-02-04
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Homeland Security: Department Organization and Management - Implementation Phase [Updated February 4, 2004]
President George W. Bush gave impetus to the creation of a Department of Homeland Security when, on June 6, 2002, he proposed the establishment of such an entity to the 107th Congress. The President transmitted his department proposal to the House of Representatives on June 18, where it was subsequently introduced by request (H.R. 5005). The House approved the bill in amended form on July 26. Senate deliberations on the matter were slower due to partisan and parliamentary factors as well as a few highly contentious issues, such as the civil service protections and collective bargaining rights of the employees of the new department. Ultimately, President Bush largely obtained what he wanted in the legislation mandating the department. Overseeing the implementation of the legislation mandating the new Department of Homeland Security, and possibly refining it and making some technical modifications, is within the purview of the 108th Congress. The department's charter also contains apparently contradictory provisions, such as those concerning the appointment of an officer for civil rights and civil liberties. Other implementation issues include Senate confirmation of presidential nominees for department leadership positions, creation of a complete budget for the new department, and assessing the various reports to Congress required of the new department.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2004-02-04
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Campaign Finance: Constitutional and Legal Issues of Soft Money [February 4, 2004]
"Prior to enactment of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 (BCRA), P.L. [Public Law] 107-155, the term 'soft money' generally referred to unregulated funds, perceived as resulting from loopholes in the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA), 2 U.S.C. §§ 431 'et seq.' Generally, the intent of BCRA, (effective Nov. 6, 2002), which amends FECA, is to restrict the raising and spending of soft money. This Issue Brief discusses constitutional and legal issues surrounding two major types of soft money that BCRA regulates: political party soft money and soft money used for issue advocacy communications. Corporate and labor union soft money, which FECA exempts from regulation and is not addressed by BCRA, is also discussed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Whitaker, L. Paige
2004-02-04
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Homeland Security: The Presidential Coordination Office [Updated February 4, 2004]
Responding to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush, among other actions, announced in his September 20 address to a joint session of Congress, his intention to create an Office of Homeland Security (OHS), headed by a director who would have Cabinet rank and would report directly to the President. OHS, as subsequently chartered with E.O. 13228 of October 8, 2001, is an agency of the Executive Office of the President. The success of this office as a coordinator of federal preparations and response to terrorism, including the development of a comprehensive National Strategy for Homeland Security, may be guided by past experience with similar such entities. This report reviews past experience principally with the Office of War Mobilization and its successor, the Office of War Mobilization and Reconversion and its significance for OHS, as well as the administrative development of the new agency. That OHS was not altogether successful in its efforts at homeland security leadership may have prompted the President to propose the creation of a Department of Homeland Security in June 2002. However, during the course of the establishment of the department, attempts to replace or recharter OHS legislatively were not successful. The establishment of the new department and the new Homeland Security Council appear to have diminished the role of OHS by assuming some of its functions. Although a presidential assistant for homeland security may be retained in the White House, the continued need for OHS is less certain.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Relyea, Harold
2004-02-04
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North Korea's Nuclear Weapons: How Soon an Arsenal? [Updated February 2, 2004]
"In December 2002, North Korea ended the 8-year-old freeze on its nuclear program by expelling inspectors and reopening its plutonium production facilities. The CIA assessed that North Korea could produce 5-6 weapons by mid-2003, to add to the 1 or possibly 2 weapons it might already have. In April 2003, North Korean officials claimed they had completed reprocessing all 8000 spent fuel rods (containing enough plutonium for 5-6 weapons), a claim which few believed. On January 8, 2004, North Korean officials showed an unofficial U.S. delegation an empty spent fuel pond, and some plutonium they claimed that had been reprocessed. However, the delegation could not verify North Korean claims. This report will be updated as warranted."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Squassoni, Sharon A.
2004-02-02
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Balancing Scientific Publication and National Security Concerns: Issues for Congress [Updated February 2, 2004]
From the Summary: "There is a lack of consensus regarding the best method of balancing scientific publishing and national security. Some believe that the current method of select classification of research results is the most appropriate. They assert that imposing new restrictions will only hurt scientific progress, and that the usefulness of research results to terrorist groups is limited. Others believe that self-regulation by scientists, using an 'Asilomar-like' process to develop a consensus statement, is a better approach. They believe that, through inclusion of scientists, policymakers, and security personnel in the development phase, a process acceptable to all will be found. Relying on publishers to scrutinize articles for information which might potentially have security ramifications is another option. Finally, mandatory review by federal funding agencies, either before funding or publication, is seen as a potential federally based alternative. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Shea, Dana A.
2004-02-02
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Immigration: Legislative Issues on Nonimmigrant Professional Specialty (H-1B) Workers [Updated February 12, 2004]
This report tracks legislative activity related to nonimmigrant professional specialty (H-1B) workers. "Proponents of current H-1B levels say that the education of students and retraining of the current workforce is a long-term response, and they assert that H-1B workers are essential if the United States is to remain globally competitive. Some proponents argue that employers should be free to hire the best people for the jobs, maintaining that market forces should regulate H-1B visas, not an arbitrary ceiling."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
2004-02
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Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2003 Supplemental and FY2004 Assistance for Colombia and Neighbors [Updated January 30, 2004]
From the Summary: "In 2003, Congress considered President Bush's requests for FY2004 and FY2003 supplemental assistance for Colombia and six regional neighbors in a continuation of the Andean Regional Initiative (ARI) launched in 2001. ARI was proposed as an expansion of support for Plan Colombia, under the Clinton Administration, with more funding for social and economic development programs for Colombia and its neighbors, who are affected by Colombia's struggle against guerrillas and drug traffickers. From FY2000 through FY2003, Colombia and other ARI recipients have received more than $3 billion in U.S. funding. In early 2003, an FY2003 Emergency Wartime Supplemental bill (H.Rept. 108-76/P.L. 108-11) provided $105 million in additional assistance for the Andean Counterdrug Initiative and related programs. This included $34 million for the State Department's International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement account, $34 million for the Department of Defense's Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities account, and $37.1 million in Foreign Military Financing Program funds. The President submitted his FY2004 budget request to Congress on February 3, 2003, including $990.7 million for countries comprising the Andean Regional Initiative, including military funding for Colombia. Of the $990.7 million requested, $731 million is for the Andean Counterdrug Initiative, $133.5 million for the Foreign Military Financing Program, with the remainder of the overall figure in development, economic, and health programs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Veillette, Connie; Storrs, K. Larry (Keith Larry), 1937-
2004-01-30
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Comparisons of U.S. and Foreign Military Spending: Data from Selected Public Sources [January 28, 2004]
This report lists and compares military expenditures of the United States and foreign nations using two sources: the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies' (IISS) The Military Balance, and the U.S. State Department's World Military Expenditures and Arms Transfers (WMEAT). Although the IISS and the U.S. State Department aim to provide figures that are as consistent and accurate as possible, cross-national comparisons of defense spending are inherently imperfect. Available sets of figures are useful, but often do not correspond with one another for a variety of reasons. This report provides two sets of figures from widely recognized sources in order to offer Congress a sample of the data published on this topic.
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Chamberlin, Jeffrey
2004-01-28
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Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Import Terminals: Siting, Safety and Regulation [Updated January 28, 2004]
"Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a hazardous fuel frequently shipped in large tankers to U.S. ports from overseas. While LNG has historically made up a small part of U.S. natural gas supplies, rising gas prices, current price volatility, and the possibility of domestic shortages are sharply increasing LNG demand. Many of these terminals would be built onshore near populated areas, so local communities fear the terminals would expose them to unacceptable safety and security hazards. Congress is examining the adequacy of safety provisions in federal LNG siting regulation. Although LNG has had a record of relative safety for the last 40 years, and no LNG tanker or land-based facility has been attacked by terrorists, experts have questioned the adequacy of key LNG siting regulations related to safety zones, marine hazards, hazard modeling, and remote siting. Experts have also questioned the validity of LNG hazard studies used by federal regulatory agencies which suggest that LNG terminal risks, while significant, are not as serious as is popularly believed. Congress may not see a compelling need to change current federal LNG siting requirements if it views the current regulations and processes as sufficient. Congress may conclude that some aspects of new LNG terminals do pose excessive public risks, or that there is still too much uncertainty about key risks to make final conclusions about public safety. Congress has several options to further address LNG terminal safety concerns. These options include 1) banning onshore LNG terminals, 2) increasing local LNG siting authority, 3) imposing more stringent federal LNG safety standards, 4) encouraging more LNG research, 5) curbing U.S. natural gas demand, and 6) developing alternatives to natural gas imports."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Parfomak, Paul W.
2004-01-28
